A haven of comfort

Business caters to cancer patients

Monday, May 10, 2004

After Charlotte Decker had a mastectomy in 1987, the stress trying to find a prosthesis and a pretty bra added to the worry she felt for her children, who were just 4 and 12 at the time. At that time the only place I could go to get fitted was Castner-Knott, and I had to wait for an appointment, she said. I was young and my kids were young. It was scary and emotional. Then, Tomorrows Woman, which specializes in breast prosthesis, pretty mastectomy bras, swimsuits, nightgowns and more, opened in 1990. Decker was more than thrilled. She instantly felt at home in the store, where fittings are done in a cozy dressing room, and antiques are part of the decor. It was kind of like going to a friends house, Decker said. Now 52, Decker still shops regularly at Tomorrows Woman at 2362 Russellville Road for her prosthesis, bras, sports bras and swimsuits. The prosthesis and bras are covered by her insurance, as are nightgowns and some other undergarments at the store. And when its time for Deckers insurance to pay for items, Tomorrows Woman owner Bonnie Oldham Strode sends Decker a reminder card. I think of them as very close friends, Decker said. I can talk to them. They understand about breast cancer. And I think its important for people who have had breast cancer to have someone to talk to. Strode knows about breast cancer because her mother, Mary Lois OFlynn of Owensboro, had the cancer and a mastectomy in 1990.The difficult time for OFlynn was compounded by the fact that then 49-year-old couldnt find a shop close to home that sold pretty mastectomy bras and nightgowns. We traveled to about eight different states in the Midwest and South and found a shop in Champaign, Illinois, Strode said. And they had the most perfect shop. … It was cozy and like a home-type environment. OFlynn said the shop really fascinated me because they had a lot of things that were important to me. … Sometimes, we as women want pretty things. OFlynn said when Strode decided to open Tomorrows Woman, I was very proud of that because she was conscientious to my need and everybody elses who had a mastectomy. Now Strode and fellow prosthesis and bra-fitter Judy Noe both certified by National Breast Care Specialists spend lots of time with each customer. They work to ensure the best fit for each woman, and they share information the women may not know. Believe it or not, the weight of your breasts keeps your neck and back and shoulders balanced, Strode said. Thats why its a medical need for your insurance to replace that weight. There is a wide variety of prostheses in stock at Tomorrows Woman. The staff can make a mold of a womans remaining breast and chest so a Lexington company, Radiant Images, can make a custom form. Decker wears one of the custom forms, which is made to match the colors of a womans breast and nipple and can be customized with mole- and vein-like marks. It feels wonderful, Decker said. The prosthesis attaches to the chest so well with adhesive that it can be worn without a bra. It feels much more natural than anything else. Strodes goal is to make all women feel as good. Thats why in addition to the mastectomy items she sells, she and Noe also do non-mastectomy bra fittings for women who just want to know what size bra they should be wearing. Tomorrows Women has non-mastectomy bras in sizes from 32 AA to 52 J.The store also sells bridal bras, nursing bras, breast pumps and breast pump supplies. Wigs are also a Tomorrows Woman focus because many of the women who come to the store have lost hair because of chemotherapy. It doesnt matter if its (because of) breast cancer or lung cancer, we help, Strode said. There are synthetic wigs and a human hair wig, which is hand-knotted and can be cut locally by a stylist who has been trained to cut wigs. Well set up an appointment (with the stylist) if the customer wants that, Strode said. Decker said such attention to a customers wishes has kept her coming back to Tomorrows Woman. The first year she started going to the store, she lost a lot of weight and had to have new mastectomy items, even though it wasnt time for her insurance to cover them. Decker talked to Strode about her need, and Strode got proof of Deckers weight loss from Weight Watchers. She then submitted the documentation to Deckers insurance company, and Decker got what she needed covered. They have the personality to make you not feel like a number, Decker said. She would recommend the shop to anyone. Your life changes a lot with breast cancer, she said. But a place like that can make it less traumatic. Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700